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19 May 2017 - NW994

Profile picture: Bucwa, Ms H

Bucwa, Ms H to ask the Minister of Higher Education and Training

With reference to his reply to question 640 on 4 April 2017, (a) what additional costs has his department incurred as a result of placing under administration the (i) Culture, Arts, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport Sector Education and Training Authority (CATHSSETA) since 15 October 2014, (ii) Safety and Security Services Sector Education and Training Authority (SASSETA) since 12 February 2015 and (iii) Wholesale and Retail Sector Education and Training Authority (W&RSETA) since 3 October 2016 and (b) from which departmental budget was money allocated towards these additional costs?

Reply:

The Department of Higher Education and Training incurred no additional costs other than the publishing cost of the Administrator appointment notices in the Government Gazette.

COMPILER/CONTACT PERSONS:

EXT:

DIRECTOR – GENERAL

STATUS:

DATE:

QUESTION 994 APPROVED/NOT APPROVED/AMENDED

Dr BE NZIMANDE, MP

MINISTER OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND TRAINING

STATUS:

DATE:

19 May 2017 - NW957

Profile picture: McLoughlin, Mr AR

McLoughlin, Mr AR to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services

Whether any correctional facility in the country employs private contractors for food catering services; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) what is the name of each such facility, (b) what is the name of each such facility,, (c) on what basis was each contract awarded, (d) what is the (i) duration and (ii) total cost of each contract and (e) what are the (i) names and (ii) addresses of each catering service contractor?

Reply:

a) what is the name of each such facility

  • Kgoši Mampuru II Management Area
  • Johannesburg Management Area
  • Durban Westville Management Area
  • St Albans Management Area
  • Pollsmoor Management Area
  • Modderbee Management Area
  • Waterval Management Area
  • Krugersdorp Management Area
  • Groenpunt Management Area

(b) what is the name of each such facility,

Kgoši Mampuru II Management Area:

  • Female
  • Central male
  • Local male
  • Maximum male
  • ODI
  • Atteridgeville

Johannesburg Management Area

  • Female
  • Medium A male
  • Medium B male
  • Medium C Male

Durban Westville Management Area

  • Durban Juvenile
  • Female
  • Medium A male
  • Medium B male
  • Medium C male
  • Umzinto

St Albans Management Area

  • Maximum male
  • Medium A male
  • Medium B male
  • Port Elizabeth
  • Patensie

Pollsmoor Management Area

  • Female
  • Admission maximum male
  • Medium A male
  • Medium B male
  • Medium C male

Modderbee Management Area

  • Male
  • Devon male
  • Nigel male

Waterval Management Area

  • Ekuseni
  • Medium A
  • Medium B
  • Utrecht
  • Newcastle

Krugersdorp Management Area

  • Male
  • Youth

Groenpunt Management Area

  • Maximum
  • Medium
  • Youth

(c) on what basis was each contract awarded,

  • All bids received were evaluated and adjudicated per Management Area in accordance with the requirements stipulated in the terms of reference document, the evaluation criteria stipulated in the special conditions of contract and in accordance with the Preferential Procurement Policy Framework Act (PPPFA) and its regulations.
  • The contracts were awarded according to PPPFA Regulations of 2011 paragraph 6. (5) which stipulates the following “Subject to regulation 7, the contract must be awarded to the tenderer who scores the highest total number of points”.
  • The successful bidders scored the highest total number of points on price and BBBEE per Management Area and were awarded as such.

(d) what is the

(i) duration and

  • Thirty six (36) months except for Groenpunt Management Area which is twenty four (24) months.

(ii) total cost of each contract and

  • Kgoši Mampuru II Management Area R79 570 023.17 annual cost (Bosasa Operations (Pty) Ltd
  • Johannesburg Management Area R87 761 625.66 annual cost (Bosasa Operations (Pty) Ltd
  • Durban Westville Management Area R98 116 612.24 annual cost (Bosasa Operations (Pty) Ltd
  • St Albans Management Area R63 212 769.42 annual cost (Bosasa Operations (Pty) Ltd
  • Pollsmoor Management Area R79 184 387.50 annual cost (Bosasa Operations (Pty) Ltd
  • Modderbee Management Area R49 444 048.90 annual cost (Bosasa Operations (Pty) Ltd
  • Waterval Management Area R44 740 885.22 annual cost (Xantium Trading 471 (Pty) Ltd T/A C3 Food Services)
  • Krugersdorp Management Area R25 202 555.15 annual cost (Bosasa Operations (Pty) Ltd
  • Groenpunt Management Area R38 932 371.20 annual cost (Ukweza Holdings (Pty) Ltd

(e) What are the

(i) names and

  • Bosasa Operations (Pty) Ltd
  • Ukweza Holdings (Pty) Ltd
  • Xantium Trading 471 (Pty) Ltd T/A C3 Food Services

(ii) addresses of each catering service contractor?

  • Bosasa Operations (Pty) Ltd: Mogale Business Park, Windsor Road, Luipaardsvlei, Mogale City, 1739, Gauteng
  • Ukweza Holdings (Pty) Ltd: 161 Lynnwood Road, Brooklyn, Pretoria, 0011
  • Xantium Trading 471 (Pty) Ltd T/A C3 Food Services: 1st Floor, Amdec House Steenberg Office Park, Silverwood Close, Tokai, 7945

19 May 2017 - NW1039

Profile picture: Stander, Ms T

Stander, Ms T to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services

On which dates has the Department of Basic Education (DBE) requested assistance from his department to obtain the sexual offenders list; 2) Did his department assist in this regard; if not, why not; if so, how?

Reply:

1. No, the Department of Basic Education has not requested assistance from the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development (DoJ&CD) to obtain the list of sexual offenders. It must be noted that section 52 of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act, 2007 (Act No 23 of 2007) requires the confidentiality and non-disclosure of any information contained in the National Register for Sex Offenders (NRSO). The Registrar of the National Register for Sex Offender is only allowed to disclose information from the register upon receipt of an application that gives effect to the provisions of Chapter 6 of the Act or in response to a court order to that effect. No such application or court order has been received by the Registrar concerning the DBE’s request.

2) No, as the Department of Justice & Constitutional Development has not received any application from the Department of Basic Education for the disclosure of certain information contained in the National Register for Sex Offenders. As earlier indicated, the NRSO is kept in a confidential manner, which essentially means that it can only be accessed by way of an application to the Registrar of the National Register for Sex Offenders by the following category of persons:-

(i) a Relevant Authority in terms of section 48(1) of the Act ;

(ii) an employee in respect of her own particulars;

(iii) a person applying for a license or approval to manage or operate any entity -section 47(2) of the Act;

(iv) a person applying to become a foster parent –section 48 (2) of the Act; and

(v) any person applying in respect of his or her own particulars.

It is therefore important to note that should the Department of Basic Education wishes to ascertain whether or not the names of teachers appear in the National Register of Sex Offenders, it must apply to the Registrar of the NRSO for a prescribed certificate, as required by the Act.

 

19 May 2017 - NW1061

Profile picture: Hadebe, Mr TZ

Hadebe, Mr TZ to ask the Minister of Environmental Affairs

(1)(a) What is the final cost for construction of the Skukuza Safari Lodge, (b) were tenders for this project issued in terms of prescribed procedure and (c) were any tenders re-issued to preferred partners; (2) (a) whether construction costs are reflected in the annual statements of the SA National Parks, (b) what amount will be paid by her department and (c) on what anticipated date will occupancy revenue break even with construction costs?

Reply:

1. (a) The final construction cost will only be determined when the construction work is completed. Two tenders were awarded in February 2017:

  • Skukuza Safari Lodge main building tender: R 227 484 000 (VAT Incl.)
  • Skukuza Safari Lodge bulk services: R 22 726 856 (VAT Incl.)

    (b) Yes. Tenders were issued in line with the Supply Chain Management Procedures and processes outlined by the National Treasury.

   (c) No. Tenders were only issued after the Bid Adjudication processes.

(2)

(a) As and when costs are incurred, these costs will appear in the annual financial statements as “capital projects in progress.”

(b) The entire amount is funded through the Departments Infrastructure Development Programme.

(c) Year one.

---ooOoo---

18 May 2017 - NW980

Profile picture: Davis, Mr GR

Davis, Mr GR to ask the Minister of Basic Education

(a) What is the total number of teachers that her department has identified as being underqualified for their positions in each of the past three academic years, (b) which school districts have underqualified teachers, (c) which subjects are most affected and (d) what action has her department taken to address the problem?

Reply:

(a) and (b)

The following tables indicate the number of un-and underqualified educators per district in 2014, 2015 and 2016, respectively.

Overall, the numbers of un-and under-qualified educators has been reducing over the last three (3) years.

On average, about 60% of all un-and-under-qualified educators are appointment in KwaZulu-Natal with a significant number in the rural districts such as Zululand, uThukela and uThungulu.

Table 1: Number of un-and underqualified educators per district in 2014

(b) PROVINCE/DISTRICT/CIRCUIT

  1. Number of Teachers

EASTERN CAPE

370

BIZANA DISTRICT OFFICE

70

BUTTERWORTH

10

COFIMVABA

21

CRADOCK

2

DUTYWA EDUCATION

20

EAST LONDON

6

FORT BEAUFORT

1

GRAAFF REINET

1

GRAHAMSTOWN

5

KING WILLIAM'S TOWN

9

LADY FRERE

6

LIBODE

27

LUSIKISIKI

34

MALUTI

19

MOUNT FLETCHER

6

MOUNT FRERE

40

MTHATHA

27

NGCOBO

16

PORT ELIZABETH

3

QUEENSTOWN

10

QUMBU

14

STERKSPRUIT

6

UITENHAGE

17

FREE STATE

274

FREE STATE: EDUCATION

274

GAUTENG

435

D3 TSWANE NORTH

15

D9 JOHANNESBURG EAST

2

EN: EKURHULENI NORTH INSTITUTION

18

ES: EKURHULENI SOUTH INSTITUTION

76

GE: GAUTENG EAST INSTITUTIONS

78

GN: GAUTENG NORTH INSTITUTIONS

3

GW: GAUTENG WEST INSTITUTIONS

80

JC: JOHANNESBURG CENTRAL INSTITUTIONS

23

JE: JOHANNESBURG EAST INSTITUTIONS

38

JN: JOHANNESBURG NORTH INSTITUTIONS

13

JS: JOHANNESBURG SOUTH INSTITUTIONS

29

JW: JOHANNESBURG WEST INSTITUTIONS

14

SE: SEDIBENG EAST INSTITUTIONS

15

SW: SEDIBENG WEST INSTITUTIONS

6

TN: TSHWANE NORTH INSTITUTIONS

1

TS: TSHWANE SOUTH INSTITUTIONS

1

TW: TSHWANE WEST INSTITUTIONS

23

KWAZULU/NATAL

4558

SISONKE DISTRICT

446

UMKHANYAKUDE DISTR

443

UMLAZI DISTRICT

163

AMAJUBA DISTRICT

97

UTHUNGULU DISTRICT

508

PINETOWN DISTRICT

244

ZULULAND DISTRICT

957

UGU DISTRICT

290

UMZINYATHI DISTRICT

405

UTHUKELA DISTRICT

512

ILEMBE DISTRICT

291

UMGUNGUNDLOVU DISTRICT

202

LIMPOPO PROVINCE

19

BALTIMORE CIRCUIT OFFICE

1

DWAALBOOM CIRCUIT OFFICE

2

ELLISRAS CIRCUIT OFFICE

2

GROBLERSDAL CIRCUIT OFFICE

5

MAPELA CIRCUIT OFFICE

3

MOUTSE CENTRAL CIRCUIT OFFICE

1

NGWAABE CIRCUIT OFFICE

1

NGWARITSI CIRCUIT OFFICE

1

NYLSTROOM CIRCUIT OFFICE

1

TUBATSE CIRCUIT OFFICE

1

WARMBATHS CIRCUIT OFFICE

1

MPUMALANGA

265

MDE BOHLABELA INSTITUTIONS

5

MDE EHLANZENI INSTITUTIONS

52

MDE GERT SIBANDE INSTITUTIONS

174

MDE NKANGALA INSTITUTIONS

34

NORTH WEST

209

DR.KENNETH KAUNDA DISTRICT

4

DR RSM

99

NGAKA MODIRI MOLEMA

100

BOJANALA

6

NORTHERN CAPE

388

FRANCIS BAARD

46

JOHN TAOLE GAETSEWE

147

NAMAQUA

13

PIXLEY KA SEME

55

SIYANDA

127

WESTERN CAPE

201

CAPE WINELANDS EDUCATION DISTRICT

18

EDEN & CENTRAL KAROO EDUCATION DISTRICT

31

METRO CENTRAL EDUCATION DISTRICT

38

METRO EAST EDUCATION DISTRICT

12

METRO NORTH EDUCATION DISTRICT

64

METRO SOUTH EDUCATION DISTRICT

26

OVERBERG EDUCATION DISTRICT

2

WEST COAST EDUCATION DISTRICT

10

Grand Total

6719

Table 2: Number of un-and underqualified educators per district in 2015

(b) PROVINCE/DISTRICT/CIRCUIT

  1. Number of Teachers

EASTERN CAPE

339

BIZANA DISTRICT OFFICE

58

BUTTERWORTH

13

COFIMVABA

18

CRADOCK

2

DUTYWA EDUCATION

18

EAST LONDON

4

FORT BEAUFORT

1

GRAAFF REINET

2

GRAHAMSTOWN

6

KING WILLIAM'S TOWN

10

LADY FRERE

4

LIBODE

24

LUSIKISIKI

22

MALUTI

13

MOUNT FLETCHER

7

MOUNT FRERE

54

MTHATHA

27

NGCOBO

12

PORT ELIZABETH

2

QUEENSTOWN

8

QUMBU

12

STERKSPRUIT

6

UITENHAGE

16

FREE STATE

285

FREE STATE: EDUCATION

285

GAUTENG

461

D3 TSWANE NORTH

17

EN: EKURHULENI NORTH INSTITUTION

20

ES: EKURHULENI SOUTH INSTITUTION

58

GE: GAUTENG EAST INSTITUTIONS

78

GE: GAUTENG EAST OFFICE

2

GW: GAUTENG WEST INSTITUTIONS

94

JC: JOHANNESBURG CENTRAL INSTITUTIONS

28

JE: JOHANNESBURG EAST INSTITUTIONS

35

JN: JOHANNESBURG NORTH INSTITUTIONS

17

JS: JOHANNESBURG SOUTH INSTITUTIONS

26

JW: JOHANNESBURG WEST INSTITUTIONS

9

SE: SEDIBENG EAST INSTITUTIONS

16

SW: SEDIBENG WEST INSTITUTIONS

6

TS: TSHWANE SOUTH INSTITUTIONS

1

TW: TSHWANE WEST INSTITUTIONS

54

KWAZULU/NATAL

3629

AMATHUBA CIRCUIT MANAGEMENT

176

BAMBANANI CIRCUIT MANAGEMENT

189

BERGVILLE CIRCUIT MANAGEMENT

151

BHEKUZULU CIRCUIT MANAGEMENT

163

DANHAUSER CIRCUIT MANAGEMENT

78

DURBAN CENTRAL CIRCUIT MANAGEMENT

48

DURBAN NORTH-WEST CIRCUIT MANAGEMENT

72

EMTSHEZI CIRCUIT MANAGEMENT

274

HLABISA CIRCUIT MANAGEMENT

237

INGWAVUMA CIRCUIT MANAGEMENT

143

IXOPO CIRCUIT MANAGEMENT

270

MAFUKUZELA-GHANDHI CIRCUIT MANAGEMENT

114

MAHLABATHINI CIRCUIT MANAGEMENT

130

MAPHUMULO CIRCUIT MANAGEMENT

157

NDWEDWE CIRCUIT MANAGEMENT

63

NONGOMA CIRCUIT MANAGEMENT

183

PAULPIETERSBURG CIRCUIT MANAGEMENT

259

PHOLELA CIRCUIT MANAGEMENT

98

PHUMELELA CIRCUIT MANAGEMENT

64

SAYIDI CIRCUIT MANAGEMENT

99

SCOTTBURGH CIRCUIT MANAGEMENT

152

UBUMBANO CIRCUIT MANAGEMENT

33

UMNGENI CIRCUIT MANAGEMENT

59

UMSUNDUZI CIRCUIT MANAGEMENT

49

UTHUNGULU DISTRICT : CLUSTER A

213

UTHUNGULU DISTRICT : CLUSTER B

68

UTHUNGULU DISTRICT : CLUSTER C

87

LIMPOPO PROVINCE

14

BALTIMORE CIRCUIT OFFICE

1

DWAALBOOM CIRCUIT OFFICE

2

ELLISRAS CIRCUIT OFFICE

2

GROBLERSDAL CIRCUIT OFFICE

3

HLOGOTLOU CIRCUIT OFFICE

1

MAPELA CIRCUIT OFFICE

2

MOUTSE CENTRAL CIRCUIT OFFICE

1

NYLSTROOM CIRCUIT OFFICE

1

WARMBATHS CIRCUIT OFFICE

1

MPUMALANGA

276

MDE BOHLABELA INSTITUTIONS

36

MDE EHLANZENI INSTITUTIONS

46

MDE GERT SIBANDE INSTITUTIONS

160

MDE NKANGALA INSTITUTIONS

34

NORTH WEST

310

BOJANALA

4

DR KENNETH KAUNDA

11

DR RSM

115

NGAKA MODIRI MOLEMA

180

NORTHERN CAPE

394

FRANCIS BAARD

61

JOHN TAOLE GAETSEWE

146

NAMAQUA

13

PIXLEY KA SEME

47

SIYANDA

127

WESTERN CAPE

322

CAPE WINELANDS EDUCATION DISTRICT

23

EDEN & CENTRAL KAROO EDUCATION DISTRICT

46

METRO CENTRAL EDUCATION DISTRICT

48

METRO EAST EDUCATION DISTRICT

22

METRO NORTH EDUCATION DISTRICT

82

METRO SOUTH EDUCATION DISTRICT

73

OVERBERG EDUCATION DISTRICT

11

WEST COAST EDUCATION DISTRICT

16

WESTERN CAPE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT:HEAD OFFICE

1

Grand Total

6030

Table 3: Number of un-and underqualified educators per district in 2016

(b) PROVINCE/DISTRICT/CIRCUIT

  1. Number of Teachers

EASTERN CAPE

261

BIZANA DISTRICT OFFICE

37

BUTTERWORTH

12

COFIMVABA

17

CRADOCK

2

DUTYWA EDUCATION

14

EAST LONDON

3

FORT BEAUFORT

1

GRAHAMSTOWN

4

KING WILLIAM'S TOWN

10

LADY FRERE

2

LIBODE

12

LUSIKISIKI

21

MALUTI

7

MOUNT FLETCHER

7

MOUNT FRERE

46

MTHATHA

21

NGCOBO

10

QUEENSTOWN

8

QUMBU

8

STERKSPRUIT

4

UITENHAGE

15

FREE STATE

303

FREE STATE: EDUCATION

303

GAUTENG

293

D3 TSWANE NORTH

26

D9 JOHANNESBURG EAST

2

EN: EKURHULENI NORTH INSTITUTION

10

ES: EKURHULENI SOUTH INSTITUTION

35

GE: GAUTENG EAST INSTITUTIONS

32

GW: GAUTENG WEST INSTITUTIONS

47

JC: JOHANNESBURG CENTRAL INSTITUTIONS

24

JE: JOHANNESBURG EAST INSTITUTIONS

23

JN: JOHANNESBURG NORTH INSTITUTIONS

17

JS: JOHANNESBURG SOUTH INSTITUTIONS

18

JW: JOHANNESBURG WEST INSTITUTIONS

2

SE: SEDIBENG EAST INSTITUTIONS

7

SW: SEDIBENG WEST INSTITUTIONS

3

TS: TSHWANE SOUTH INSTITUTIONS

1

TW: TSHWANE WEST INSTITUTIONS

46

KWAZULU/NATAL

2875

AMATHUBA CIRCUIT MANAGEMENT

131

BAMBANANI CIRCUIT MANAGEMENT

132

BERGVILLE CIRCUIT MANAGEMENT

113

BHEKUZULU CIRCUIT MANAGEMENT

118

DANHAUSER CIRCUIT MANAGEMENT

64

DURBAN CENTRAL CIRCUIT MANAGEMENT

34

DURBAN NORTH-WEST CIRCUIT MANAGEMENT

55

EMTSHEZI CIRCUIT MANAGEMENT

231

HLABISA CIRCUIT MANAGEMENT

193

INGWAVUMA CIRCUIT MANAGEMENT

107

IXOPO CIRCUIT MANAGEMENT

219

MAFUKUZELA-GHANDHI CIRCUIT MANAGEMENT

84

MAHLABATHINI CIRCUIT MANAGEMENT

109

MAPHUMULO CIRCUIT MANAGEMENT

124

MNAMBITHI CIRCUIT MANAGEMENT

1

NDWEDWE CIRCUIT MANAGEMENT

45

NONGOMA CIRCUIT MANAGEMENT

151

PAULPIETERSBURG CIRCUIT MANAGEMENT

228

PHOLELA CIRCUIT MANAGEMENT

82

PHUMELELA CIRCUIT MANAGEMENT

33

SAYIDI CIRCUIT MANAGEMENT

84

SCOTTBURGH CIRCUIT MANAGEMENT

117

UBUMBANO CIRCUIT MANAGEMENT

27

UMNGENI CIRCUIT MANAGEMENT

45

UMSUNDUZI CIRCUIT MANAGEMENT

39

UTHUNGULU DISTRICT : CLUSTER A

163

UTHUNGULU DISTRICT : CLUSTER B

69

UTHUNGULU DISTRICT : CLUSTER C

77

LIMPOPO PROVINCE

15

DWAALBOOM CIRCUIT OFFICE

2

ELLISRAS CIRCUIT OFFICE

2

MAPELA CIRCUIT OFFICE

2

NGWAABE CIRCUIT OFFICE

3

NYLSTROOM CIRCUIT OFFICE

1

PIETERSBURG CIRCUIT OFFICE

4

WARMBATHS CIRCUIT OFFICE

1

MPUMALANGA

223

MDE BOHLABELA INSTITUTIONS

17

MDE EHLANZENI INSTITUTIONS

40

MDE GERT SIBANDE INSTITUTIONS

134

MDE NKANGALA INSTITUTIONS

32

NORTH WEST

432

NGAKA MODIRI MOLEMA

218

DR RSM

201

BOJANALA

5

DR KENNETH KAUNDA

8

NORTHERN CAPE

400

FRANCIS BAARD

56

JOHN TAOLE GAETSEWE

172

NAMAQUA

10

PIXLEY KA SEME

47

ZF MGCAWU

115

WESTERN CAPE

337

CAPE WINELANDS EDUCATION DISTRICT

29

EDEN & CENTRAL KAROO EDUCATION DISTRICT

42

METRO CENTRAL EDUCATION DISTRICT

42

METRO EAST EDUCATION DISTRICT

43

METRO NORTH EDUCATION DISTRICT

82

METRO SOUTH EDUCATION DISTRICT

73

OVERBERG EDUCATION DISTRICT

9

WEST COAST EDUCATION DISTRICT

15

WESTERN CAPE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT:HEAD OFFICE

2

Grand Total

5139

(c) Which subjects are most affected?

The subjects most affected include Mathematics, Sciences and Technology at all levels and African Language teaching, particularly at Foundation Phase.

(d) What action has her department taken to address the problem?

The focus of the Department, at a national level, is to address the supply of educators through various initiatives.

These include the Funza Lushaka Bursary Scheme which focuses on Mathematics, Sciences, Technology and African Languages, and the appointment of foreign educators qualified to teach scarce skills.

18 May 2017 - NW1016

Profile picture: Tarabella - Marchesi, Ms NI

Tarabella - Marchesi, Ms NI to ask the Minister of Basic Education

With regard to her reply to question 290 on 16 March 2017, what is the reason for the discrepancy in the total number of schools that were built countrywide, as the reply lists a total of 708 schools while the State of the Nation Address delivered by the President, Mr J G Zuma, on 9 February 2017 lists 895?

Reply:

(a) The total number of new and replacement schools delivered by Provincial Departments of Education as at the end of the third quarter of the 2016/17 financial year is 708. The number, however, did not include schools built through the Accelerated School Infrastructure Delivery Initiative, which is implemented by the Department of Basic Education (DBE), which were included in the number referred to in the State of the Nation Address.

18 May 2017 - NW1008

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Stubbe, Mr DJ to ask the Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services

In terms of which legislation is the National Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Forum conducting ICT stakeholder engagements in seeking input for the policy and in developing implementation plans, regulations and legislation on behalf of the department?

Reply:

I have been advised by the Department as follows:

There is no legislation in terms of which the National ICT Forum is conducting ICT stakeholder engagements in seeking input for the policy.

18 May 2017 - NW984

Profile picture: Vos, Mr J

Vos, Mr J to ask the Minister of Basic Education

(1)Has (a) her department or (b) any of the provincial education departments engaged in any form of transaction with certain companies (names and details furnished); if so, what was the (i) nature and (ii) amount of each transaction; (2) whether a tender was issued in each case; if not, why not; if so, on what date

Reply:

1. (a) No

(b) Provincial Education Departments are autonomous. DBE does not have access or control over their procurement processes.

(i) N/A

(ii) N/A.

2. None.

18 May 2017 - NW1050

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Purdon, Mr RK to ask the Minister of Environmental Affairs

(1)(a) What is the total number of rhinos that have been poached within the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park in the (i) 2014-15, (ii) 2015-16 and (iii) 2016-17 financial years, and (b) what is the total amount of budget allocated to combat poaching in the Ezemvelo KwaZulu-Natal Wildlife; (2) whether Ezemvelo has any anti-poaching plans; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; and (3) (a) whether her Department has approached the private sector for any (i) assistance, (ii) guidance and/or (iii) funding, and (b) what measures has her Department put in place to curb poaching outside the park?

Reply:

1. (a) (i) 2014-15: 14

         (ii) 2015-16: 44

         (iii) 2016-17: 148

(b) 2016/2017: R116 148 679.00 and 2017/2018: R112 013 603.00.

2. Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife does have anti-poaching plans, and these are aligned to the National Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) Strategy (National Strategy for the Safety and Security of Rhinoceros Populations in South Africa); and the Cabinet approved Integrated Strategic Approach for the Management of Rhinoceros, as well as the South African Police Service (SAPS) National Joints Instruction 3/2011 of 17 February 2011).

Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife has a three year strategy, 2014–2017, which is presently being reviewed, with assistance of Provincial Cabinet Task Team, six months review and assessment February to July 2017. The Strategy covers the following:

  • Program Oversight.
  • Liaison Strategic Liaison.
  • Rhino Reserve Standard Operating Procedures.
  • Rhino Awareness.
  • Rhino Reserve Security Assessments.
  • Operational Data and Information Systems Analysis.
  • Population Analysis.
  • Poaching Information Monitoring and Analysis.
  • Horn Stockpile Management.
  • Investigations and Case Management.
  • Joint Crime Prevention Operations.
  • Supplementary Funding and Administration.
  • Reporting.

Furthermore, Ezemvelo KZN WIldlife has a specific objective to manage the poaching mortality rate of endangered species (rhino), and this includes an Annual Operation Plan as follows:

  • Special Data Investigations Information and Intelligence.
  • Special Operations on Project Investigations and Disruptive Operations.
  • Prevention of Crime Access.
  • Education and Awareness.
  • Detectives Investigation Services.

The use of technology to support counter poaching and disruption operations is critical, as the majority of poaching is undertaken in the dark hours, even during no moon periods. Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife has identified the need to expand its technical ability to react to and detect incursions at night, which requires specialist technology and equipment for staff to operate at night. Whilst some of this technology is being supported by donors in its development and test phases, there is a need for a sustainable budget in order to operate and maintain the systems. These technologies focus on the early detection and rapid response in dark hours.

3. (a) (i) and (ii)

Ezemvelo does work with the private sector at a national, provincial and local level. This liaison does have a formal status with the Private Rhino Owners Association (PROA).

The private rhino owners are represented on the SAPS Provincial Priority Committee Rhino Poaching, which facilitates state security capacity.

Monthly tactical operations planning meetings are held with all rhino reserve managers, including private sector, for the alignment of joint operations, and/or to address high risk areas.

(iii) Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife does work with, and has agreements with, a number of Non-Government and/or Profit Organisations that fund and implement identified projects. The key agreements in place are with:

  • Peace Parks Foundation;
  • Wildlands Conservation Trust;
  • African Wildlife Foundation; and
  • Project Rhino.

Equipment has also been donated to Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife on an ad hoc basis to address specific needs, for example, by the GEF-UNEP Rhino Programme (managed by the DEA and funding from the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL).

(b) Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife forms part of the SAPS Operation Rhino Mission Area Joint Operations Command (MAJOC), which is a NATJOINTS (National Security and Joint Operational Structure) project that focusses on assisting with operations outside protected areas, and mainly on disruption and crime prevention operations and reactions. This MAJOC also assists with law enforcement along the corridor roads in KwaZulu-Natal’s rhino reserves.

ooOoo

18 May 2017 - NW1036

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Rabotapi, Mr MW to ask the Minister of Basic Education

Whether her department provides pupils who have fallen pregnant with (a) academic, (b) financial and/or (c) medical support assistance; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details in each case?

Reply:

(a) Academic – Learners who have fallen pregnant are encouraged to remain in school as long as they are able to, until they deliver their babies. They are supported, like all learners, to perform optimally.

(b) Financial – No specific financial assistance is given to pregnant learners. They benefit through other Departmental programmes like the provision of nutritious meals through the National School Nutrition Programme, no-fee paying schools or exemption from fees in fee-paying schools, and scholar transport if they qualify as per the set criteria for these programmes.

c) Medical assistance – The Department of Basic Education collaborates with the Department of Health to make available school health services through itinerant school health teams. In addition, schools are encouraged to establish a relationship with their nearest health facility, to which learners are referred for medical assistance as is needed.

18 May 2017 - NW1034

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Robertson, Mr K to ask the Minister of Basic Education

(1)With reference to her reply to question 127 on 23 March 2017, how many of the cases of school pupils becoming pregnant resulted from sexual relations with a teacher; (2) has her department investigated these cases; if not, why not; if so, what action been taken against the teachers involved; (3) has the SA Council of Educators (SACE) been informed of the cases; if not, why not; if so, have the teachers involved been struck from the teachers roll?

Reply:

1. There is no data certainty about learner pregnancy cases resulting from sexual relations with educators. All suspected cases of sexual violation in schools should to be reported to the relevant authorities for further investigation. This data is self-reported and relies heavily on learners and their families coming forward with this information.

2. Provinces carry out investigations through their provincial Labour Relations including those of sexual offences against children by teachers.

3. If provinces find cases, SACE is contacted. Further investigations take place through SACE and any teacher found guilty of committing sexual offences or having a sexual relationship with a learner is struck off the teachers’ roll.

18 May 2017 - NW681

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Dreyer, Ms AM to ask the Minister of Basic Education

(1)Did (a) her department or (b) any entity reporting to her participate in the Dialogue with the President: Unpacking of the SONA 2017 on Radical Economic Transformation Implementation event hosted at the Oyster Box Hotel in Umhlanga, Durban, on 25 February 2017; if so, what amount was spent in each case; (2) did (a) her department or (b) any entity reporting to her participate in the auction of the (i) souvenirs or (ii) personal belongings of the President of the Republic, Mr Jacob G Zuma; if so, (aa) which items were purchased and (bb) at what cost, in each case? NW740E

Reply:

1. (a) The Department of Basic Education did not participate in the mentioned event.

(b) Umalusi Response: Umalusi did not participate in the Dialogue with the President: Unpacking of the SONA 2017 on Radical Economic Transformation Implementation event hosted at the Oyster Box Hotel in Umhlanga, Durban, on 25 February 2017.

SACE response: N/A

2. (a) The Department of Basic Education did not participate in the mentioned event.

   (b) Umalusi response: Umalusi did not participate in the auction of the souvenirs or personal belongings of the President of the Republic, Mr Jacob G Zuma.

SACE response: N/A

18 May 2017 - NW1062

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Hadebe, Mr TZ to ask the Minister of Environmental Affairs

(a) What is the estimated cost for the construction of the Shangoni Gate accommodation and tourist complex in Giyani, (b) what is the budget for the upgrade of roads within the Kruger National Park, (c) will the roads be tarred, and (d) will the gate facilitate (i) entry and (ii) exit to Mozambique for local and foreign nationals?

Reply:

(a) The estimated construction cost (2017) for the Shangoni Entrance Gate, tourism facilities (Camping site, tented site and picnic site) and tar road is R263 million.

(b) The current funding available is R25 million.

(c) Yes, the roads will be tarred.

(d) The new Shangoni Entrance gate will be used for (i) entry and (ii) exit of all nationals visiting the park.

ooOoo

18 May 2017 - NW227

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McLoughlin, Mr AR to ask the Minister of Basic Education

With regard to the announcement by the Minister of Transport, Ms Dipuo Peters, on 18 January 2017 that driving simulator lessons would be included in the school curriculum, (a) when will this addition to the curriculum be made, (b) what will each simulator lesson entail and (c) will any of the costs of such an addition be paid for by her department?

Reply:

Below is the extract from a speech made by the Minister of Transport on the occasion of the handing over ceremony torch of peace, at Soshanguve East Secondary School in Shoshanguve –Gauteng, on 17 January, to provide context to the response:

“RTMC is currently implementing numerous road safety school projects. To mention just two, for the purposes of brevity, the RTMC’s drivers licence project gives unemployed youth opportunities to obtain drivers licenses through training on simulators and on the roads and they also facilitate the Scholar Patrol project which offers scholar patrol training to schools.”

“Part of the long term initiative to establish and enhance road safety relates to the skilling of our drivers, particularly those who will be acquiring licenses for the first time. Our intended purpose is to work with the Department of Basic Education to include the Driving lessons at high school as part of the curriculum.”

 (a) The Department of Basic Education intends to pilot the driver simulator lessons in partnership with the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC).

 (b) Driver Simulator lessons are a practical method of training drivers before they drive a vehicle on the roads. The intention is to have competent drivers at the point when learners are eligible to test for a driver’s licence. This will not be in the curriculum but will be an enrichment programme.

 (c) No, there would not be any cost to be incurred by the Department of Basic Education.

18 May 2017 - NW684

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Esau, Mr S to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans

(1)Did (a) her department or (b) any entity reporting to her participate in the Dialogue with the President: Unpacking of the SONA 2017 on Radical Economic Transformation Implementation event hosted at the Oyster Box Hotel in Umhlanga, Durban, on 25 February 2017; if so, what amount was spent in each case; (2) did (a) her department or (b) any entity reporting to her participate in the auction of the (i) souvenirs or (ii) personal belongings of the President of the Republic, Mr Jacob G Zuma; if so, (aa) which items were purchased and (bb) at what cost, in each case?

Reply:

1 and 2.  NO, neither the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, nor her departments and all entities reporting to her participated in both events.

18 May 2017 - NW989

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Van Dalen, Mr P to ask the Minister of Basic Education

(1)With reference to her reply to question 491 on 23 March 2017, on what basis was it claimed that there is emphasis on the works of Shakespeare in the English Literature curriculum; (2) has she found that the work of Shakespeare is foundational to the development of English Literature; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) does the inclusion of African and South African authors such as Sol Plaatjie, Victor Mtubani, Athol Fugard, Chinua Achebe, Glaydah Namukasa, Alan Paton, Sindiwe Magona, Zakes Mda, Kagiso Lesego Molope, Kwame Owusu-Ampomah, Lauri Kubuitsile and Omphile Molusi in the catalogue of current English Literature learner teacher support material require a review; if so, on what grounds is such a review necessary?

Reply:

(1) The works of Shakespeare, unlike any other writer, are prescribed and compulsory for Grades 10, 11 and 12 and therefore constitute a significant emphasis on the English Literature.

(2) Yes, the works of Shakespeare are still relevant in terms of thematic material and character analysis, so that teachers have a standard against which to measure other classical dramas. For example, a classical play includes all literary features such as exposition, rising action, conflict, climax, falling action/anti-climax and resolution/denouement. It also includes timeless motif/themes and/or background and settings.

(3) No, the works listed above do not require a review and are currently included on the national catalogue of prescribed works.

However, the life span of a national catalogue is ideally five (5) years and therefore these catalogues will be continually reviewed to ensure that more African writers and South African writers in particular are included.

18 May 2017 - NW991

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Terblanche, Ms JF to ask the Minister of Basic Education

What was the total amount paid (a) by schools in each province in fee exemptions for learners at fee-paying schools and (b) to schools in each province by each provincial education department in compensation thereof in the (i) 2013, (ii) 2014, (iii) 2015 and (iv) 2016 academic years?

Reply:

The Department has forwarded the question to the nine Provincial Education Departments and is awaiting the response. The response will be forwarded as soon as the Department receives it.

18 May 2017 - NW987

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Van Dalen, Mr P to ask the Minister of Basic Education

(1)With reference to her reply to question 489 on 31 March 2017, on what basis were the countries of (a) India, (b) Rwanda, (c) Zimbabwe, (d) Nigeria, (e) China, (f) Tanzania, (g) Russia and (h) Brazil chosen for the purposes of international comparative research on History as a compulsory subject; (2) what are the details of the international research on History as a compulsory subject that was presented at the History Round Table on 4 December 2015; (3) which stakeholders will be invited to the planned consultative meetings on History as a compulsory subject to be held in each province?

Reply:

1. (a) India was included to widen the scope of international research in Asia,

(b) Rwanda was included to widen the scope of international research in Africa,

(c) Zimbabwe was included to widen the scope of international research in Africa,

(d) Nigeria was included to widen the scope of international research in Africa,

(e) China was included to widen the scope of international research in Asia and as part of BRICS as suggested by stakeholders during the Round Table discussion of December 2015,

(f) Tanzania was included to widen the scope of international research in Africa,

(g) Russia was included to widen the scope of international research in Asia and as part of BRICS as suggested by stakeholders during the Round Table discussion of December 2015, and

(h) Brazil was included to widen the scope of international research in Latin America and as part of BRICS as suggested by stakeholders during the Round Table discussion of December 2015.

2. International research shared at the History Round Table indicated that the majority of African countries teach history as a compulsory subject only in primary and lower secondary schools. In European countries History is mostly compulsory up to Grade 9 and a popular elective offered as part of various streams. It was also indicated that the subject is packaged differently in both African and European countries. In some countries, it forms part of a subject or learning area called Social Sciences or Social Studies, or People and Society or Social, Political and Environmental education; while in other countries it is offered as a stand-alone subject. The curriculum content thereof, in most of these countries focuses on the historical, social, geographic, economic and political changes that have shaped these societies within the broader global environment.

3. It is envisaged that various stakeholders would be invited to form part of these consultative meetings such as representatives of Teacher Unions, School Governing Bodies, principal associations, Higher Education Institutions, heritage institutions, members of civil society, History associations, curriculum advisors, etc.

18 May 2017 - NW981

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Walters, Mr TC to ask the Minister of Basic Education

Whether, with reference to her reply to question 503 on 23 March 2017, the report reached her by the end of March 2017; if not, why not; if so, (a) on what date will she be done with engaging with the report and (b) on what date is the report expected to be released to the public?

Reply:

a) After following internal processes in the Department of Basic Education (DBE), the report was submitted to the Minister in March 2017. Having engaged with the report, the Minister approved that it be made public by posting it on the website of the DBE. To this end, the report is being formatted and will be posted on the DBE website as soon as this is completed.

b) In addition to posting the report on the DBE website, NEEDU findings and their implications for the education sector will be shared in different forums between May and June 2017. These forums include different branches and structures within the DBE, HEDCOM and its sub-committees and the Council of Education Ministers. Presentations will also be made in the forums where the DBE interacts with stakeholders e.g., Principals’ Association of South Africa (PASA) and the consultative forum of National School Governing Body Associations.

18 May 2017 - NW985

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Vos, Mr J to ask the Minister of Basic Education

Has the draft National Guidelines on the Employment of Foreign Educators in South Africa been finalised; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

Yes. The Draft Guidelines on the Employment of Foreign Educators in South Africa (public schools) were approved by the Heads of Education Departments Committee. The guidelines are currently being implemented by Provincial Education Departments (PEDs).

18 May 2017 - NW1005

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Shinn, Ms MR to ask the Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services

Was a report generated following the ministerial delegation’s visit to Mexico in December 2016; if so, what are the (a) key findings of the report and (b) impact these findings have had on his department’s approach to South Africa’s proposed national wireless open access network?

Reply:

I have been advised by the Department as follows:

No official report was compiled after the Mexico visit in December 2016. The purpose of the visit was to understand how Mexico established and operated their wholesale open access wireless network called Red Compartida. The visit follwed several months after the approval of the National Integrated ICT Policy White Paper in September 2016.

(a) No key findings were made as the delegation focused on understanding Red Compartida.

(b) Not applicable.

18 May 2017 - NW1060

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Hadebe, Mr TZ to ask the Minister of Environmental Affairs

(1)(a) How many bookings were made by (i) private and (ii) government entities for the Nombolo Mdhluli conference centre in Skukuza since its completion in 2011 and (b) what amount has been generated from the bookings thus far; (2) whether the money generated from such bookings is reflected in the annual statements of the SA National Parks; (3) (a) what was the cost for construction of the conference centre and (b) were any private contractors used to complete the project

Reply:

(1) (a) Since 2011, 613 reservations for a total of 36 299 persons were made.

(b) Since 2011, revenue has been R16, 358 million excluding Vat and the amount indicated is a net profit. The Conference Centre was built as a preparation to test the market for the Skukuza Lodge. It is envisaged that Conference Centre will make significant profits once the construction of the Skukuza Lodge is finalised and the Lodge is open for business. SANParks also anticipates that the Skukuza Lodge will break even in the first year of operation because of the attraction generated by the Nombolo Conference facilities. The plan is to have the two facilities co-existing and complimenting each other.

(2) Yes.

(3) (a) The construction cost for the Nombolo Conference Centre was R 27,3 million.

(b) Yes.

---ooOoo---

18 May 2017 - NW983

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Walters, Mr TC to ask the Minister of Basic Education

With regard to the new format of reporting known as an Inclusive Basket of Criteria, how did each province perform in the 2016 academic year according to each of the seven criteria?

Reply:

983. The inclusive basket of performance indicators is a more integrated approach to reporting that reflects the key indicators of learner performance. The key indicators together with their weighting are as follows:

  1. Overall pass percentage (35%)
  2. Mathematics pass percentage (10%)
  3. Physical Sciences pass percentage (10%)
  4. Bachelor attainment percentage (15%)
  5. Distinction percentage (10%)
  6. Mathematics Participation Rate (10%)
  7. Throughput rate (10%)

The above indicators are captured in a consolidated format which includes a weighting based on the importance attached to each of these indicators. A computation of the percentage obtained for each of these indicators at school, district, provincial and national level, will be provided.

The Table below shows the performance of each of the Provincial Education Departments (PED’s) in terms of the Inclusive Basket Criteria:

Province

Weighted Basket Scores

 

Overall Basket Score

Overall Pass % (W: 35%)

% Maths Passed (W: 10%)

% Physics Passed (W: 10%)

% Bachelor Passes (W: 15%)

% Distinctions (W: 10%)

% Maths Participation (W:10)

% Throughput Rate (W: 10%)

Western Cape

60.7

30.1

7.7

7.3

6.1

0.7

3.1

5.6

Free State

59.4

30.9

7.1

7.5

5.4

0.4

3.9

4.2

Gauteng

57.9

29.8

6.9

6.9

5.4

0.5

3.7

4.8

North West

53.8

28.9

6.3

7.0

4.1

0.3

3.3

4.0

Mpumalanga

51.0

27.0

5.4

6.4

3.4

0.2

4.3

4.4

Northern Cape

50.7

27.5

6.1

5.7

3.9

0.2

2.8

4.5

KwaZulu-Natal

46.1

23.2

3.8

5.8

3.7

0.4

5.5

3.8

Limpopo

44.1

21.9

5.4

6.2

2.8

0.2

4.3

3.3

Eastern Cape

40.5

20.8

3.8

5.0

2.8

0.2

4.8

3.2

NATIONAL

49.4

25.4

5.1

6.2

4.0

0.3

4.3

4.0

The above computation has also been determined for the provincial, district and school levels.

18 May 2017 - NW988

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Van Dalen, Mr P to ask the Minister of Basic Education

(1)Whether, with reference to her reply to question 492 on 31 March 2017, the results of the pilot project in Cofimvaba using isiXhosa as the language of teaching and learning have been compiled; if not, by when will the results be compiled; if so, what were the results; (2) (a) what are the names of the schools that were selected to participate in the pilot project and (b) how were these schools selected; (3) were learners at each of the 81 participating schools given an opportunity to choose to participate in the pilot project; (4) (a) on which research findings that concluded that learners learn best through their home languages did her department base its policy and (b) why is English still the language of teaching and learning in the majority of schools from Grade 4 onwards; (5) will her department be undertaking a study to determine the demand for mother tongue education in each of the official languages; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details

Reply:

The DBE has forwarded questions 1, 2 and 3 to the Eastern Cape Provincial Education for a response. Once received the response will be forwarded to the National Assembly.

(1) Waiting for a response from the EC.

(2)(a) Waiting for a response from the EC.

    (b) Waiting for a response from the EC.

3.Waiting for a response from the EC.

(4)(a) UNESCO has published much literature on the importance of mother tongue education. Provisions for education in mother tongue are contained in several international conventions, namely, the Indigenous and Tribal Peoples Convention (1989), the Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989) and the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of their Families (1990).

(b) Section 29(2) of the SA Constitution makes provision for everyone “to receive education in the official language or languages of their choice in public educational institutions where that education is reasonably practicable.”

The Language in Education Policy, which is premised on the imperatives of the Constitution, provides for learners to learn through any of the eleven official languages. Learners and schools have an option from Grade 4 onwards to select a language of their choice for learning and teaching, and that includes English or Afrikaans.

5.The Eastern Cape Province, upon concluding the evaluation of their Mother Tongue Based Bilingual Education pilot initiative, will present their findings to the Department of Basic Education. Thereafter a determination for a demand of mother tongue in the other official languages will be made.

18 May 2017 - NW979

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Davis, Mr GR to ask the Minister of Basic Education

(a) What is the total number of school districts that have been identified by her department as suffering from a shortage of teachers, (b) in each case, (i) what are the names of the schools that are in need of teachers, (ii) how many teachers are required and (iii) what subjects are affected and (c) how long has this shortage been a problem?

Reply:

(a) The question has been referred to the provinces and the response will be forwarded as soon as information is received Provincial Education Departments (PEDs).

(b)(i)(ii)and (iii)

The question has been referred to the PEDs and the response will be forwarded as soon as information is received.

(c) The question has been referred to the PEDs and the response will be forwarded as soon as information is received.

18 May 2017 - NW791

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Stander, Ms T to ask the Minister of Basic Education

Whether her department has engaged with the office of Women in The Presidency to discuss the roll-out of its Sanitary Dignity Campaign to provide sanitary towels to vulnerable and poor girls; if not, why not; if so, (a) in what ways will her department be involved and (b) what are the further relevant details in this regard?

Reply:

Whether her department has engaged with the office of Women in The Presidency to discuss the roll-out of its Sanitary Dignity Campaign to provide sanitary towels to vulnerable and poor girls;

Yes, the Department of Basic Education serves on the Sanitary Dignity Campaign Task Team as coordinated by Department of Women in the Presidency.

(a) in what ways will her department be involved

The Department has been participating in the task team meetings with the view to contribute to the campaign. There are no adequate resources in the DBE voted funds to address the provision of sanitary towels to poor girls. However, provinces such as Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Free State and KwaZulu-Natal are providing sanitary towels to various degrees.

(b) what are the further relevant details in this regard

The Department is engaging its partners to consider supporting the initiative but this will be informed by empirical evidence of the need for sanitary towels among affected learners of school-going age and by identifying locations of greatest need for a more focused intervention.

17 May 2017 - NW975

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Bozzoli, Prof B to ask the Minister of Higher Education and Training

Whether he will furnish Prof B Bozzoli with a copy of the report done by the Council on Higher Education on the LLB qualifications of South African universities; if not, why not; if so, by what date?

Reply:

The Council on Higher Education has agreed that the Minister may release its Higher Education Quality Committee’s draft report on the National Review of Bachelor of Law (LLB) Programmes (2016 - 2017) offered at South African universities, which is attached as Annexure A.

COMPILER/CONTACT PERSONS: Dr D Parker

EXT: 6214/5

DIRECTOR – GENERAL

STATUS:

DATE:

QUESTION 975 APPROVED/NOT APPROVED/AMENDED

Dr BE NZIMANDE, MP

MINISTER OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND TRAINING

STATUS:

DATE:

17 May 2017 - NW1009

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Terblanche, Ms JF to ask the Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services:

Are discussions being held with the National Treasury to (a) develop a funding plan for the establishment of the proposed national wireless open access network and (b) attract local and foreign investors to participate; if not, (i) why not and (ii) how does the Minister envisage funding the establishment of the network?

Reply:

I have being advised by the Department as follows:

a) No

b) No

(i) & (ii) The model contemplated in the National Integrated ICT Policy White Paper, does not envisage Government funding for the establishment of the network but provides that Government may provide incentives to support wireless open access. These include the allocation of some funds from the fund responsible for rural and under-serviced areas. At the appropriate time, the Universal Service and Access Fund or its successor contemplated in the White Paper, the Digital Development Fund, may allocate some funds if money is appropriated by Parliament for that purpose.

The White Paper stipulates that the Wireless Open Access Network will be a public-private sector-owned and managed consortium, and will consist of entities that are interested in participating. Participants may include, but not be limited to, current holders of electronic communications service (ECS) and electronic communications network service (ECNS) licenses, infrastructure companies, private equity investors, Small, Medium and Micro-sized Enterprises (SMMEs), Internet Service Providers (ISPs), Over-the-Top (OTT) players and Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs), State-Owned Companies and Development Financial Institutions.

17 May 2017 - NW481

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Madisha, Mr WM to ask the Minister of Finance

In view of a plethora of recent media reports as well as comments made at the conference on tax evasion and illicit financial flows (details furnished) which refer to the risk of the implosion of the SA Revenue Service (Sars), as evidenced in the recent under-recovery of tax revenue, particularly personal income tax, (a) what has he found to be the root cause of Sars’ loss of (i) institutional capacity and (ii) its integrity and (b) what actions should be taken in the national interest to rectify the situation?

Reply:

(a) what has he found to be the root cause of Sars’ loss of

   (i) institutional capacity

  • SARS is unable to respond to comments made in the conference, however, the staff attrition rates over the last nine years have remained fairly constant between 6.59 in 2008/9 and 3.97% in 2016/17 (Feb. YTD) per annum.

Attrition Rate

2008/09

Attrition Rate

2009/10

Attrition Rate

2010/11

Attrition Rate

2011/12

Attrition Rate 2012/13

Attrition Rate 2013/14

Attrition Rate 2014/15

Attrition Rate 2015/16

Attrition Rate 2016/17

(Feb. 2017 YTD)

6.59%

4.12%

4.36%

4.18%

4.82%

6.01%

5.97%

4.61%

3.97%

 

(ii) its integrity

  • The current public perception of loss of institutional capacity is not supported by the data, as can be gleaned from the above

(b) what actions should be taken in the national interest to rectify the situation?

SARS continues with the implementation and achievement of its strategic outcomes and objectives as articulated in the Strategic Plan tabled in Parliament. The revised Operating Model is being embedded to address the reviw.

17 May 2017 - NW969

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America, Mr D to ask the Minister of Higher Education and Training

Have any markers for examinations of his department been disciplined for submitting fraudulent claims in each of the past three academic years; if so, what are the full details in each case; if not, why has his department blamed the delays in the payment of examination markers on questionable claim forms?

Reply:

No formal disciplinary processes have been implemented to date, however the sanction of not paying the claims is effected. It is incorrect to state that the Department blames the delays in the payment of examination markers on questionable claim forms.

If Hon Mr D America (DA) is able to provide me with the names of markers who are contesting their payments, I will request the Department to look into the matter.

An analysis of the claims received reveals some of the types of misrepresentation as:

  • Inflation of kilometres travelled;
  • Dates and time on the claim form and attendance register do not correspond;
  • Three officials travel in one car and all three claim for the total distance travelled;
  • One marker pays for three people sharing a room at a guesthouse but all three claim the total invoice amount for the accommodation;
  • Hours worked or scripts marked are inflated; and
  • One marker marks at more than one marking centre.

With regards to the processing of claim forms, the following should be noted:

  • All claims are processed in accordance with the approved Travel Policy of the Department;
  • All distances claimed are verified using Google maps, questionable accommodation invoices are verified and all claims are checked against attendance registers and log sheets to check the number of scripts marked; and
  • Claims are returned to marking centres if discrepancies are found, which prolongs the payment of claims.

The following interventions have been implemented:

  • The national examinations function embarked on a road show to support markers in the correct procedures to complete claim forms;
  • A Deputy Marking Centre Manager: Claims has been appointed at each marking centre to ensure claims are filled in correctly;
  • A capturing tool has been developed to capture the claims at the marking centre to speed up the turnaround time for payment;
  • Marking centres are monitored by national examinations officials during marking sessions to ensure that claims are correctly processed; and
  • Examination Assistants are appointed during the processing of claims to assist with the verification of claims to expedite the process.

The turnaround time for payment is between 30 - 40 days after receipt of correctly completed claim forms.

The Department will be amending the examinations policy to provide for disciplinary actions or the charging markers and other personnel with fraud. This will formalise sanctions such as the blacklisting of markers found guilty of submitting fraudulent claims.

COMPILER/CONTACT PERSONS: Ms N Pote/Mr FY Patel

EXT: 5458

DIRECTOR – GENERAL

STATUS:

DATE:

QUESTION 969 APPROVED/NOT APPROVED/AMENDED

Dr BE NZIMANDE, MP

MINISTER OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND TRAINING

STATUS:

DATE:

17 May 2017 - NW1007

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Stubbe, Mr DJ to ask the Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services:

Whether any discussions have been held with the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) on any aspect of the implementation of the National Integrated ICT Policy White Paper; if not, (a) why not and (b) are there any plans to include the regulator in the implementation of any aspect of the policy; if so, (i) what issues have been discussed and (ii) what is the expected outcome of these discussions?

Reply:

I have being advised by the Department as follows:

Yes. The Department is required by law to engage ICASA. The Department has engaged ICASA on the implementation of the
National Integrated ICT Policy White Paper. These discussions were initially led by the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of ICASA

(i) Issues discussed:-

  • Legislative programme to implement the National Integrated ICT Policy White Paper;
  • Cost to Communicate Programme;
  • Compilation of National ICT indicators to support policy development and regulation making; and
  • Wireless Open Access Network and the assignment of high demand spectrum.

(ii) To solicit ICASA’s input on the Implementation Framework as the regulator will be expected to implement policy, including the integration of the plan into their future Annual Performance Plans. Discussions are on-going.

 

17 May 2017 - NW21

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Maimane, Mr MA to ask the Minister of Small Business Development

Has (a) she and/or (b) her Deputy Minister ever (i) met with any (aa) member, (bb) employee and/or (cc) close associate of the Gupta family and/or (ii) attended any meeting with the specified persons (aa) at the Gupta’s Saxonwold Estate in Johannesburg or (bb) anywhere else since taking office; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, in each specified case, (aaa) what are the names of the persons who were present at each meeting, (bbb)(aaaa) when and (bbbb) where did each such meeting take place and (ccc) what was the purpose of each specified meeting? 21The Leader of the Opposition to ask the Minister of Small Business Development: Has (a) she and/or (b) her Deputy Minister ever (i) met with any (aa) member, (bb) employee and/or (cc) close associate of the Gupta family and/or (ii) attended any meeting with the specified persons (aa) at the Gupta’s Saxonwold Estate in Johannesburg or (bb) anywhere else since taking office; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, in each specified case, (aaa) what are the names of the persons who were present at each meeting, (bbb)(aaaa) when and (bbbb) where did each such meeting take place and (ccc) what was the purpose of each specified meeting? NW 24E REPLY: No No (aa – cc) No (aa-bb) (aaa – bbb)Not applicable

Reply:

(a) No

(b) No

 (i) (aa – cc) No

 (ii) (aa-bb)

(aaa – bbb) Not applicable

17 May 2017 - NW1004

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Shinn, Ms MR to ask the Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services

Whether a service provider or consultant has been appointed to develop the structure and implementation of the proposed ICT sector regulator as contained in the National Integrated ICT Policy White Paper; if so, (a) what is the name of the service provider or consultant, (b) how was the assignment advertised, (c) how was the person or firm chosen, (d) on what date was the person or firm chosen, (e) what is the scope of work requested, (f) what is the cost, (g) what is the completion date and (h) is the service provider or person a member of the National ICT Forum?

Reply:

I am being advised by the Department as follows:

No, the Department did not appoint a service provider or consultant to develop the structure and implementation of the proposed ICT sector Regulator as contained in the National Integrated ICT Policy White Paper.

17 May 2017 - NW968

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Van der Westhuizen, Mr AP to ask the Minister of Higher Education and Training

(1)Does his department intend to transfer the former (a) Mokopane and (b) Abel Teacher Colleges to the Waterberg and Sekhukhune Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges respectively; if so, (a) what is required to effect the transfer of these properties, (b) have any delays been experienced in the transfer of these properties to his department and (c) which departmental official(s) will be taking the lead in the negotiations to effect the transfer; (2) have formal memoranda of understanding been signed between his department and the Department of Education in Limpopo while such transfers are pending; if not, why not; if so, (a) what are the terms under which the TVET colleges are entitled to utilise the facilities and (b) since what date has the (i) Waterberg and (ii) Sekhukhune TVET colleges been (aa) sharing or (bb) utilising these properties with other government departments?

Reply:

1. The Department of Higher Education and Training is supporting the transfer of the two properties, i.e. the Mokopane and Abel Teacher Training Colleges to the respective colleges.

(a) The process to effect the transfer is underway. The first step of discussions with the Limpopo Department of Education have commenced. In addition, the Limpopo Provincial Department of Public Works has conducted an assessment of utilisation and ownership which has concluded with the following recommendations:

  • In the short-term, a Task Team should be established made up of officials from the Department of Basic Education, Department of Higher Education and Training, National Department of Public Works, Limpopo Department of Public Works and Roads and Infrastructure to facilitate the process of sharing of facilities given the needs of both the Departments of Basic Education and Higher Education and Training.
  • In the medium to long-term, measures should be put into place for the Limpopo Provincial Government to formally transfer all former colleges of education facilities throughout the Province to National Government for use by the Department of Higher Education and Training, provided that there are plans to that effect.
  • The next step of the process will be to action the short-term recommendations with the signing of a Joint Memoranda of Agreement on sharing the facilities.

(b) The process has taken a while but increased impetus is required from all parties to avoid undue delays.

(c) The Director responsible for College Infrastructure Projects will lead from the side of the Department of Higher Education and Training.

2. There has been no signing of a formal Memorandum of Agreement to date. A generic draft has been prepared and is being consulted with the respective authority.

(a) At present, the colleges are utilising the sites based on a mutual agreement with the Limpopo Department of Education. In effect, the colleges have control over certain parts of the site and requests access to other parts on a needs basis.

(b) (i) For the Waterberg TVET College, the Mokopane site has been shared with the Limpopo Provincial Department of Education since January 2008 and the site is also utilised by the Limpopo Provincial Department of Economic Development.

 (ii) For the Sekhukhune TVET College, the Abel site has been shared with the Limpopo Provincial Department Education since February 2016 when the college took occupation and the site is also utilised by the Sekhukhune District Municipal Water Affairs Division.

 

COMPILER/CONTACT PERSONS: Mr S Mommen

EXT: 5311

DIRECTOR – GENERAL

STATUS:

DATE:

QUESTION 968 APPROVED/NOT APPROVED/AMENDED

Dr BE NZIMANDE, MP

MINISTER OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND TRAINING

STATUS:

DATE:

17 May 2017 - NW1006

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Stubbe, Mr DJ to ask the Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services

(1)  What is the status of the legal action he initiated in the North Gauteng High Court to review the decision by the Independent Communications Authority of SA (ICASA) to issue the Invitation to Apply to participate in a spectrum auction; (2) Have negotiations with ICASA to resolve the impasse on this issue been held; if so, what is the nature of these negotiations? NW1134E

Reply:

I am being advised by the Department as follows:

1. .The matter between the Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services and the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) is still pending in the High Court. The application consisted of two parts:, Part A, the High Court granted an order interdicting and preventing ICASA from implementing the licensing steps and processes referred or contemplated in the Invitation to Apply. In respect of Part B, namely the review application, this part is pending.

2. Yes, the Department is engaging ICASA on the implementation of the Integrated ICT Policy White Paper.

17 May 2017 - NW967

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Van der Westhuizen, Mr AP to ask the Minister of Higher Education and Training

(1)Is the current funding model for public technical and vocational education and training (TVET) colleges providing for the additional costs incurred by rural colleges with multiple campuses; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) is the current funding model for public TVET colleges implemented in full; if not, (a) what are the relevant details and (b) by what date will it be fully implemented; (3) does his department intend to adjust the funding model for TVET colleges in the near future; if so, what (a) is the envisaged timeline for the introduction of a revised funding model and (b) are the further relevant details?

Reply:

1. The current funding model does not explicitly provide for any additional costs of rural colleges. In terms of the current National Norms and Standards for Funding Technical and Vocational Education and Training (NNSF TVET) colleges, the Department of Higher Education and Training provides funding to TVET colleges based on formula funding for ministerial approved programmes, where the formula takes into account a range of service delivery issues, including the types of programmes being offered (National Certificate (Vocational) and NATED Report 191 programmes as approved in a national register), Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) students, cost of delivery including staff, capital infrastructure requirements and the ability of colleges to utilise resources efficiently.

The formula funding works as follows:

  • The Department sets a national funding base rate, in rand terms, describing the cost of delivering a basic TVET college programme;
  • The Department also sets a funding weight for each programme eligible for formula funding, i.e. Ministerial approved programmes, where this weight indicates how much more than the funding base rate it costs to deliver a particular programme;
  • An assumed fee level, representing the cost that college fees can be expected to cover, is assigned to each programme and the individual students per programme are multiplied by the programme duration in order to obtain the full-time equivalent students;
  • An applied total funding weight is calculated for each programme in each college, representing public funding to be received for each full-time equivalent student. This weight takes into account expected fees. The weight is multiplied by the full-time equivalent students to obtain the programme weight of each programme; and
  • The sum of all programme weights, the college programme weight, is multiplied by the funding base rate in order to obtain a college allocation.

It must be noted that the previous TVET college allocations were calculated through the NNSF TVET within the specific provincial budget allocations as determined through the equitable share formula applied by the National Treasury. These provincial allocations formed part of the provincial equitable share and was published in the Provincial Budget Statements.

With these functions now being a national competence, it has a direct impact on the TVET college allocations as a national budget must be applied opposed to the previous provincial budgets as determined by National Treasury. Unless more voted funds are made available, the inherited allocations per college will remain.

It is our intention to consider the rural context when additional funds become available.

2. The current funding model for public TVET colleges is implemented in full.

3. The Department appointed a Ministerial Committee to review the funding model and propose the new funding framework for TVET and Community Education and Training (CET) colleges, which will be used to revise the current funding model. The final recommendation report was received in April 2017. The new funding model is envisaged to be finalised and implemented in April 2018 after going through all the due processes of public comments and concurrence by the Minister of Finance.

 

COMPILER/CONTACT PERSONS:

EXT:

DIRECTOR – GENERAL

STATUS:

DATE:

QUESTION 967 APPROVED/NOT APPROVED/AMENDED

Dr BE NZIMANDE, MP

MINISTER OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND TRAINING

STATUS:

DATE:

17 May 2017 - NW970

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America, Mr D to ask the Minister of Higher Education and Training

(1)What steps should public technical and vocational education and training (TVET) colleges take to attract and retain competent lecturers in fields where the current remuneration levels available for lecturing staff are significantly below comparable salaries and service conditions in the private sector;\ (2) has his department taken any steps to allocate posts to TVET colleges at post levels that will allow public colleges to attract staff with scarce skills that are also in high demand in the private sector as lecturers; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) whether his department (a) intends or (b) has already allocated financial support to public TVET colleges to improve the skills base of existing college lecturers, similar to the development grants that are made available to universities; if not, in each case, why not; if so, what are the relevant details in each case?

Reply:

1. The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) is currently the main employer of the lecturing staff in the public Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) college sector. The Department implements remuneration levels and conditions of service determined in the Public Service Co-ordinating Bargaining Council (PSCBC) and relevant sectoral bargaining councils. Together, the Department and TVET colleges take steps that create conducive environments that would attract and enhance the retention of competent lecturers. Such conditions include amongst others, job stability and satisfaction, housing, pension, medical aid benefits, salary/pay progression, 13th cheques, bursaries to further their studies and other development funds that are applicable within the public service sectors. The Department will soon start exploring an Occupation Specific Dispensation (OSD) unique to TVET college lecturers intended to introduce improved service conditions and remuneration packages that can be catered for within the current and future voted budgets. Currently, TVET college lecturers are allowed to partake in teaching self-sustainable, part-time classes within the sector. Lecturers are also remunerated for participating in setting of examination question papers and marking of these external examination papers. Some TVET colleges recognise the good performance of their lecturing staff and award them incentives and/or tokens of appreciation in terms of their policies and availability of financial resources.

2. No, the Department has not yet taken steps to allocate posts to TVET colleges at post levels that will allow public colleges to attract staff with scarce skills that are also in high demand in private sector. It should be noted that since the Department was established in 2009 and started operating on 1 April 2010, the public TVET colleges were employers and remunerated the larger portion of their staff from their own payroll systems, whereas the Provinces maintained salary payments for staff that were already in colleges prior to 1 January 2006 as a result of the implementation of the Further Education and Training Act 16 of 2006 (now the CET Act 16 of 2006 as amended). Staff members in all colleges were only transferred to the Department on 1 April 2015. The Department took over approximately 18 000 staff members and a host of liabilities. Since April 2010, the Department has been hard at work to bring parity and standardisation of systems throughout the sector and amongst staff members within the sector. Remuneration of staff members is guided by the current Public Service legislation and resolutions taken in the bargaining councils. However, in terms of the CET Act 16 of 2006 as amended, College Councils are allowed to appoint and remunerate additional college staff and subject them to conditions of service that are not lower than what is offered by the Department. This implies that colleges are allowed to give additional incentives to staff providing scarce skills in order to attract and retain them.

3. The Department has on 28 March 2017, transferred a total amount of R31.899 million of the skills levy to the 50 TVET colleges within the country, for the 2016/17 financial year. This allocation was in support of the colleges’ skills development plans, which were approved through the 2016 Medium Term Expenditure Framework planning process. The allocation has further been earmarked as a national priority project, which will address the critical skills shortage in the TVET sector.

It is expected that colleges must submit to the Department, skills development plans processed through their Academic Boards before they are authorised to spend the funds. This practice of transferring skills development levy funds to colleges will be sustained annually pending proper reporting to account for the utilisation of such funds.

COMPILER/CONTACT PERSONS: Mr SL Sethusha

EXT: 6167

DIRECTOR – GENERAL

STATUS:

DATE:

QUESTION 970 APPROVED/NOT APPROVED/AMENDED

Dr BE NZIMANDE, MP

MINISTER OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND TRAINING

STATUS:

DATE:

17 May 2017 - NW1003

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Shinn, Ms MR to ask the Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services

Whether a service provider or consultant has been appointed to develop the structure and implementation of the proposed Digital Development Fund as contained in the National Integrated ICT Policy White Paper; if so, (a) what is the name of the service provider or consultant, (b) how was the assignment advertised, (c) how was the person or firm chosen, (d) on what date was the person or firm chosen, (e) what is the scope of work requested, (f) what is the cost, (g) what is the completion date and (h) is the service provider or person a member of the National ICT Forum?

Reply:

I am advised by the Department as follows:

No, the Department did not appoint a service provider or consultant to develop the structure and implementation of the proposed Digital Development Fund as contained in the National Integrated ICT Policy White Paper.

15 May 2017 - NW714

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Alberts, Mr ADW to ask the Minister of Finance

(1)With reference to point 5 of his reply to question 2375 on 30 November 2016, (a) on what date and (b) how did the Public Investment Corporation violate the Strategic Asset Allocation owing to the movement of the markets in each separate case; (2) whether the Investment Committee of the Government Employees Pension Fund was informed in each individual case regarding the violation and (a) condoned and/or (b) rectified it in each separate case?

Reply:

(1)(a) and (b) At the outset it should be stated that any changes in the Government Employees Pension Fund’s (GEPF) Strategic Asset Allocation (SAA) cannot be implemented in a short period of time due to the size of the GEPF Portfolio. It is also for this reason that PIC clients provide the PIC with transition benchmarks, which are more dynamic benchmarks that reflect the SAA over a shorter term and are used during the period of transitioning a portfolio following mandate changes and changes in the SAA.

The revision of the 2007 GEPF Mandate in 2009 introduced new asset classes with new SAA ranges for these different asset classes. The effect was that there were breaches of the new SAA during the transition period when the GEPF Portfolio was being aligned with the revised GEPF Mandate. A similar situation occurred in 2011 when there was a further revision by the GEPF of its Mandate to the PIC and the portfolio had to be transitioned from the old to the newly revised mandate.

There are also from time to time technical breaches to the SAA due to market movements and currency fluctuations in different asset classes.

(2) As per point 5 of former Finance Minister Gordhan’s reply to Parliamentary Question 2375 of 30 November 2016, these breaches were reported to the GEPF’s Investment Committee and they were condoned and / or rectified.

15 May 2017 - NW451

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Brauteseth, Mr TJ to ask the Minister of Finance

Whether the National Treasury procured any services from and/or made any payments to (a) Mr Mzwanele Manyi, (b) the Progressive Professionals Forum, (c) the Decolonisation Fund and/or (d) the Black Business Council; if not, in each case, why not; if so, what (i) services were procured, (ii) was the total cost, (iii) is the detailed breakdown of such costs, (iv) was the total amount paid, (v) was the purpose of the payments and (vi) is the detailed breakdown of such payments in each case?

Reply:

No, the National Treasury did not procure any services and has not made any payments. (a) (b) (c) (d), (i) (ii) (iii) (iv) (v) and (vi) are not applicable.

15 May 2017 - NW1002

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Figg, Mr MJ to ask the Minister of Finance

What is the total amount of financial losses suffered by the SA Airways as a result of the cancellation of flights due to the strike by the South African Cabin Crew Association on 26 April 2017?

Reply:

The total amount of financial losses suffered by the SA Airways as a result of the cancellation of flights due to the strike by the South African Cabin Crew Association on 26 April 2017 is R31 781 701.00.

14 May 2017 - NW1097

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Mazzone, Ms NW to ask the Minister of Finance

(1)What is the Treasury’s position with regard to the fact that Denel approached the High Court for clarity on the Denel Asia and VR Laser Asia joint venture on 24 March 2017; (2) whether the Treasury has already approached the courts as alleged in August 2016 regarding this venture; (3) given that Denel formed the VR Laser Asia partnership in December 2016 without Treasury’s permission as required by the Public Finance Management Act, Act 1 of 1999, (a) what correspondence has occurred between Denel and the Treasury on this issue, (b) what were the contents of such correspondence and (c) on which dates were the correspondences issued?

Reply:

1. The National Treasury encourages constructive dialogue on PFMA related matters between Executive authorities, State Owned Companies and the National Treasury to avoid a situation where the matters are to be resolved with the intervention of the court. It is therefore regrettable that Denel has resorted to approaching the High Court for clarity on the Denel Asia and VR Laser Asia joint venture. Section 41(1)(h) of the Constitution states that

All spheres of government and all organs of state within each sphere must---- co-operate with one another in mutual trust and good faith by

(i) fostering friendly relations;

(ii) assisting and supporting one another;

(iii) informing one another of, and consulting one another on, matters of common interest;

(iv) co-ordinating their actions and legislation with one another;

(v) adhering to agreed procedures; and

(vi) avoiding legal proceedings against one another.”

2. No, the National Treasury has not approached the courts.

3. Response to a, b and c is discussed below

30 October 2015: Submission by Denel SOC ltd. to the National Treasury (NT) with the title “PFMA Section 54 (2) pre notification: Proposed formation of Denel Asia”.

The intention of the letter was to inform the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE) of Denel’s intention to establish an incorporated joint venture company in Hong Kong for purposes of exploiting opportunities in the Asia Defense market.

11 December 2015: Submission by Denel SOC ltd. to the NT with the title “FORMAL APPLICATION FOR APPROVAL IN TERMS OF SECTION 51(1)(G) OF THE PUBLIC FINANCE MANAGEMENT ACT 1 OF 1999- PROPOSED ESTABLISHMENT OF DENEL ASIA SOC LIMITED” addressed to Minister D Van Rooyen.

05 February 2016: The NT - Office of the Chief Procurement Officer (OCPO) writes to Denel on the information they have received that Denel has established a JV agreement with VR laser in order to find a market for world class products in Asia. The purpose of the letter was to seek clarity on whether government prescripts were complied with when finalizing the JV agreement.

10 February 2016: Denel responds to the OCPO letter indicating that they will revert back by the 19 February 2016 with the requested information.

13 April 2016: Denel responds to the letter from OCPO dated 05 February 2016, indicating that Section 51(g) of the PFMA requires that the National Treasury be allowed a reasonable time to submit its decision prior to formal establishment of the joint venture. The further indicated that section 51 (g) read together with 51 (2) defines a reasonable time as 30 days from the date of submission which in the case of Denel Asia was 11 December 2015, 30 days thus expiring on 11 January 2016. This lead TO Denel assuming approval by both the Executive Authority as well as National Treasury which lead to the establishment of the joint venture.

18 April 2016: Letter from NT requesting additional information from Denel, which would assist in comprehensively assessing the application.

21 April 2016: Denel responded to NT’s letter and requested further clarity with regards to the information required.

26 April 2016: NT responded to Denel, providing the necessary clarity as requested by Denel.

11 May 2016: Denel still had not provided NT with the requested information; the Director-General (DG) wrote to Denel enquiring about the delay and offered his assistance in resolving any unanticipated obstacles. The DG further stated NT’s commitment to fast-tracking consideration of the application and the importance of Denel submitting the additional information in order for NT to be in a position to comprehensively assess all aspects of the application before reaching a decision was underlined. However, there was no response from Denel and the information was still not forthcoming.

10 June 2016: The Minister of Finance wrote to the Chairperson of Denel as well as the MPE requiring that the Board of Denel submit all the information that had been requested by 31 May 2016, as per the provisions of Section 54(1) of the PFMA. In addition, the letter highlighted that, in the event that the Board fails to submit the information, the Board, as the accounting authority of Denel, would be in breach of its fiduciary duties under the PFMA and must report its inability together with the reasons for failing to comply by no later than 28 June 2016.

28 June 2016: The Acting CEO (ACEO) of Denel, Mr Zwelakhe Ntshepe, sent a letter to the DG requesting that the deadline of 28 June 2016 be extended to 4 July 2016 citing that the extension will ensure that they provide a more comprehensive response to the request made by NT.

28 June 2016: The Chairperson of Denel sent a letter to the Minister of Finance and the MPE reiterating their position with regards to the Denel Asia transaction that all the relevant approvals were received. Denel further indicated that they would provide NT with the required information soon and underlined that it should be noted that the requested information would not be provided for the purpose of approval of the transaction but merely to comply with NT request as it is their view that the necessary approval(s) were obtained.

29 June 2016: NT grants Denel the requested extension to the 4th July 2016.

14 July 2016: The Acting CEO of Denel wrote to the DG responding to the request for information that had originally been sent on 18 April 2016. The letter stated that “in Denel’s view the approval process has been concluded as allowed for by the PFMA and thus provision of any information on the establishment of Denel Asia is purely for informational purposes”.

01 September 2016: NT sends a letter to Denel on the Sunday Time’s media statement asking Denel to share the letter with NT which was supposedly sent to them and made them react the way they did on the 31 August on the media.

05 September 2016: Denel responds to the NT letter dated 01 September 2016 to NT indicating that they also do not have the letter or the information quoted on the 28 August Sunday Times article.

24 November 2016: Denel writes to NT indicating that Denel Asia is dormant until such time two that the Ministers have reached consensus and Denel received an instruction to proceed from DPE.

11 May 2017 - NW811

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Mbete, Ms B to ask the Minister of Social Development

(1)(a) On what date did she appoint a certain person (name and details furnished) as an advisor and (b) what did the specified person advise on; (2) did the person receive payment for providing advice; if so, what amount was received as payment?

Reply:

1. Honourable Dr Makhosini Busisiwe Khoza was never appointed Special Advisor to the Minister of Social Development, Ms BO Dlamini.

2. None.

11 May 2017 - NW966

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Van der Westhuizen, Mr AP to ask the Minister of Trade and Industry

(1)Has the West Coast Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) college been a beneficiary of the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund over the past three financial years; if so, what (a) amount(s) have been allocated to the college, (b) development project(s) are linked to this funding and (c) audited financial statements have been submitted to the National Lotteries Commission (NLC) to date; (2) has the NLC conducted a site visit or visits to the specified college to verify the information provided by the college; if not, why not; if so, what are the full relevant details; (3) (a) what amounts have been transferred to the college to date and (b) has the NLC found that the college met the conditions linked to the grants

Reply:

(1) No funding has been allocated to the West Coast Technical and Vocational Education and Training College over the past three financial years.

(2) No site visit was conducted as the organisation has not been funded.

(3) As mentioned above no amount has been transferred to the West Coast Technical and Vocational Education and Training College over the past three financial years.

11 May 2017 - NW861

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Masango, Ms B to ask the Minister of Social Development

(1)Whether, with reference to her reply to question 3797 on 12 November 2015, the specified matter has been finalised; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (2) why did the SA Social Security Agency accept confirmation that Cash Paymaster Services will only charge for the registration of other beneficiaries and not for (a) children and (b) procurators; (3) with reference to her reply to the specified question, is the statement that the re-registration of all beneficiaries, children and procurators part and parcel of the long-term, not a contradiction of the statement that the extension and the inclusion of the children and procurators at the same time that enrolment was taking place was agreed to in a management meeting held in June 2012, within the same document?

Reply:

This matter is still before the Gauteng High Court.

11 May 2017 - NW1052

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Purdon, Mr RK to ask the Minister of Trade and Industry

(1)(a) What was the budget allocation for the Centurion Aerospace Village in the (i) 2015-16 and (ii) 2016-17 financial years, (b) what is the total number of jobs that were created; (2) whether any new (a) construction and/or (b) earthworks has been undertaken on the Centurion Aerospace Village site; if so, what are the relevant details in each case?NW1182E

Reply:

(1) (a) The budget allocation was (i) R17.5 million and (ii) R18.4 million which was allocated for operational expenditure only. No funds were provided for infrastructure.

      (b) None

(2) (a) No

      (b) The external bulk electrical works tender has been issued on 6 April 2017 and will commence shortly.

11 May 2017 - NW615

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Wilson, Ms ER to ask the Minister of Social Development

What (a) steps will be taken by her department to ensure that the SA Social Security Agency will become capable of administering and paying social grants in future and (b) are the exact timeframes within which this will take place?

Reply:

It is a matter of public knowledge that the Constitutional Court has extended the CPS contract with SASSA for the payment of social grants for a period of twelve months, until 31 March 2018 on the same terms and conditions as those of the initial contract signed in 2012. The Court further ordered that the Minister and SASSA report on affidavit every three months on how they plan to ensure the payment of social grants after the expiry of the extended contract in March 2018.

The first report to the Constitutional Court is due next month (June). The report will set out the exact details, including the timeframes on how the Agency intends to ensure the payment of social grants beyond the current contract.

We will therefore furnish the Honourable Member with such report once it has been completed and submitted to the Constitutional Court as per the judgment.

11 May 2017 - NW402

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Jooste, Ms K to ask the Minister of Social Development

Did her department fund any non-profit organisations (NPOs) that specialise in (a) mental health, (b) disabilities and (c) drug abuse in the 2015-16 financial year; if so, in each case, (i) how many NPOs were funded in each province, (ii) what is the total financial value and (iii) what percentage of the specified NPOs were compliant with the Non-Profit Organisation Act, Act 71 of 1997?

Reply:

Yes, the Department of Social Development (National) has funded Non-Profit- Organisations (NPOs) that specialise in (a) mental health (b) disabilities and (c) substance abuse in the 2015/2016 financial year.

(a) and (b) The following Non-Profit Organisations that specialise in Mental Health and Disabilities were funded at National level for the specified period (2015/16 financial year).

ORGANISATION

KNOWN AS

FUNDING

1. South African federation for Mental Health

SAFMH

R 801 000.00

2. Deaf Federation of South Africa

DEAFSA

R 500 000.00

3. Epilepsy South Africa

Epilepsy SA

R 500 000.00

4. Disabled Children Action Group

DICAG

R 750 000.00

5. Albinism Society of South Africa

ASSA

R 700 000.00

6. Autism South Africa

Autism SA

R 500 000.00

TOTAL

R 3 751 000.00

(c) The following Non-Profit Organisations that specialise in Substance Abuse were funded at National level for the specified period (2015/16 financial year).

ORGANISATION

KNOWN AS

FUNDING

1. The South African National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence.

SANCA

 

2. South African Depression and Anxiety Group

SADAG

 

TOTAL VALUE

 

R2,887,000.00

  1. The following is a provincial breakdown of the total number of NPOs, delivering mental health, disability and substance abuse services that were funded during the 2015/16 financial year.

PROVINCE

MENTAL HEALTH

DISABILITIES

SUBSTANCE ABUSE

Free State

4

91

53

Western Cape

114

217

49

North West

3

30

12

Mpumalanga

7

133

6

Northern Cape

2

12 (14 OFFICES)

1 (2 OFFICES)

Gauteng

The Department of Social Development does not fund the Mental Health organisations in Gauteng province. These are funded by the Department of Health.

116

48

Eastern Cape

2

22 - Residential

Facilities

13 - Welfare

Organisations

22 - Protective

Workshops

18 - Community

Based

Rehabilitation

projects.

26 - Special Day Care

Centres

5

Limpopo

1

23 – stimulation

centres

3 - Homes

15 -Community based

rehabilitation

49- protective

workshop

1

21 - programmes

Kwa-Zulu Natal

0

4

0

TOTAL

156

773

197

(ii) Total financial value

PROVINCE

MENTAL HEALTH

DISABILITY

SUBSTANCE ABUSE

VALUE (R)

TOTAL

Free State

-

-

-

26,562,985.91

Western Cape

48,000,000.00

129,000,000.00

56,600,000.00

233,600,000.00

North West

2,075,643.00

14,615,000.00

6,622,000.00

23,312,643.00

Mpumalanga

4,211,721.00

30,971,279.00

10,971,000.00

46,154,000.00

Northern Cape

1,009,456.98

6,348,170.09

410,771.90

7,768,398.97

Gauteng

The Department of Social Development does not fund the Mental Health organisations in Gauteng province. These are funded by the Department of Health.

63,082,175.00

60,320,466.00

123,402,641.00

Eastern Cape

0

31,577,345.00

4,244,555.35

35,821,900.35

Limpopo

3,560,000.00

12,500,000.00

4,600,000.00

20,660,000.00

Kwa-Zulu Natal

0

932,400.00

0

932,400.00

TOTAL

588,856,825.98

289,026,369.09

143,768,793.25

518,214,969.23

(iii) Percentage of compliance with the NPO Act 71 of 1997.

PROVINCE

MENTAL HEALTH

DISABILITY

SUBSTANCE ABUSE

Free State

100%

100%

100%

Western Cape

99%

100%

100%

North West

100%

100%

100%

Mpumalanga

100%

100%

100%

Northern Cape

100%

100%

100%

Gauteng

The Department of Social Development does not fund the Mental Health organisations in Gauteng province. These are funded by the Department of Health.

100%

100%

Eastern Cape

55%

100%

44%

Limpopo

100%

100%

100%

Kwa-Zulu Natal

100%

100%

100%

11 May 2017 - NW13

Profile picture: America, Mr D

America, Mr D to ask the Minister of Small Business Development

(a) What are the full relevant details of the process followed in the appointment of a certain company (name furnished) as the organiser of the Global Entrepreneurship Congress due to be held in Johannesburg in 2017, (b) by what date will the speaker programme be (i) finalised and (ii) made available to the Portfolio Committee on Small Business Development and (c) what role is being played by the City of Johannesburg in the specified congress?”

Reply:

a) Sustainable Entrepreneur Accelerator (SEA) Africa was not appointed by Department of Small Business Development (DSBD). The organisation took the initiative of bidding for South Africa to host the Global Entrepreneurship Congress (GEC) to be held in Johannesburg in 2017. The Minister responsible for Small Business Development was requested by the Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN) to receive the award when the City of Johannesburg was announced as the winner of the bid and subsequently requested her to be the Patron of the event.

b) The programme was finalised and circulated to all stakeholders. The Cabinet Memo regarding the GEC was tabled for information by the Minister in February 2017.

c) The City of Johannesburg was part of the team responsible for organising the event and represented in the Local Organising Committee (LOC).

11 May 2017 - NW401

Profile picture: Jooste, Ms K

Jooste, Ms K to ask the Minister of Social Development

Whether her department uses poverty line(s) for planning purposes; if not, why not; if so, (a) which poverty line(s) is or are used and (b) what are the further relevant details in this regard?

Reply:

Yes, the Department considers the following three poverty lines developed by Statistics South Africa (Stats SA).

Food poverty line: the Rand value below which individuals are unable to consume enough food to supply them with minimum per-person-per-day energy requirements for good health (about 2 100 kilocalories) per capita per month.

Lower-bound poverty line: stipulates the threshold below which one has to sacrifice some food to obtain some basic non-food items. It is a sum of the FPL and the average amount derived from non-food items of households whose total expenditure is equal to the food poverty line; and

Upper-bound poverty line: the unambiguous threshold of relative deprivation below which people cannot afford the minimum lifestyle desired by most South Africans. It is a sum of the FPL and the average amount derived from non-food items of households whose food expenditure is equal to the food poverty line.

Based on the national poverty lines above, data from Stats SA shows that between the period 2006 and 2011, there was a decline in poverty levels in the country for all three lines. The proportion of the population living below a food poverty line decreased from 28.4% in 2006 to 21.7% in 2011 whilst the proportion living below the lower bound poverty line decreased from 51.0% 2006 to 37.0% in 2011 and with regards to the upper bound poverty line, the proportion declined from 66.6% in 2006 to 53.8% in 2011.

A report entitled Poverty Trends in South Africa: An examination of absolute poverty between 2006 and 2011 attributed the main source of decline in poverty to social wage package through services such as free primary health care, no-fee paying schools and school nutrition programme, social grants (most notably the Old Age and Child Support Grants, RDP housing and the provision of basic services to poor households namely water, electricity and sanitation.